Commemorative plaque with ornamentally mounted display

ABSTRACT

A commemorative apparatus elicits a commemorative effect and comprises a basal plaque structure, at least one model support structure, and at least one model. Each support structure is preferably constructed from a load-bearing material and comprises opposed support ends, a support length intermediate the support ends, and an outer support surface. A first end of each model support structure is fastened to the basal structure and a second end of each model support structure is fastened to a respective model. The outer support surface is provided with certain coloration so as to resemble a trail emanating from the model it supports. The basal plaque structure may be provided with inspirational artwork to enhance the overall commemorative effect.

PRIOR HISTORY

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/212,703, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Apr. 15, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a commemorative plaque with mounted display(s). More particularly, the present invention relates to a commemorative plaque having mounted display(s) wherein the display(s) and the mounting means therefor together effect a realistic, and thus perhaps more effective commemorative article of manufacture.

2. Description of Prior Art

From desktop to wall-mountable plaques, there are seemingly endless types of aerial or similar other commemorative formations that can be arranged with the use of aircraft or other trail-rendering articles, such as helicopters and space travel vehicles, as well as motor vehicles of all types. Conceivably, the varied displays may be as small as a card holder or large enough to take up the space of a whole wall or even a room.

It has been noted, however, that jets provide a powerful commemorative effect when used in combination with commemorative plaques. Conceivably, the combination of harnessing the power symbolically represented by jets in combination with inspirational commiserations and phraseology provides recipients thereof with moving sentimental experiences. The market place has offered and provided in particular a lucrative niche for products of this type in this field of industry.

It is contemplated that variously themed commemorative plaques with ornamentally mounted displays are possible, including patriotically-themed plaque-display combination; sympathy-themed plaque-display combinations; memorial-themed plaque-display combination; success-themed plaque-display combinations; recognition-themed plaque-display combinations; and personally-themed plaque-display combinations. The prior art thus perceives a need for a commemorative plaque with ornamentally mounted display(s) of the type hereinafter described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention essentially provides a commemorative apparatus for eliciting a commemorative effect, which commemorative apparatus essentially comprises a basal plaque structure, at least one model support structure, and at least one model.

Each model support structure is preferably constructed from a load-bearing material such as relatively heavy gauge wire and comprises opposed support ends, a support length intermediate the support ends, a support diameter along the support length, and an outer support surface. The support diameter is of sufficient magnitude and the outer support surface is provided with certain coloration so that together the support diameter and outer support surface resemble a trail such as a smoke trail or vapor trail emanating from the model that it supports.

Each model resembles a trail-rendering apparatus such as a jet airplane or spacecraft, although other trail-rendering machinery could well be substituted such as rocket cars, motorcycles, helicopters, and the like. A first end of each model support structure is fastened to the basal plaque structure and a second end of each model support structure is fastened to a respective model. The commemorative apparatus thus essentially functions to elicit a trail-themed commemorative effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief description of patent drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view, diagrammatic type depiction of a fragmentary model attached to a fragmentary plaque base via a model support structure enveloped by a support shroud according to the present invention.

FIG. 1( a) is an enlarged sectional view of the model support structure as sectioned from FIG. 1 showing a substantially uniform structural diameter thereof.

FIG. 1( b) is an enlarged sectional view of the support shroud as sectioned from FIG. 1 showing an undulating structural diameter thereof.

FIG. 2 is a frontal elevational view of a commemorative apparatus according to the present invention showing a series of five models respectively supported by five pairs of model support structures, one of which pairs is partially enveloped by a support shroud according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the commemorative apparatus otherwise depicted in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the present invention essentially provides commemorative apparatus 10 for eliciting a commemorative effect from its recipient. The commemorative apparatus 10 according to the present invention preferably comprises a plaque base or basal structure as at 11, the upper surface 30 of which may be provided with inspirational writings and/or artwork (not specifically illustrated).

It is contemplated that the plaque base or basal structure 11 is preferably planar in overall configuration such that when the plaque base 11 is supported by a support surface as at 100, the base 11 provides a weighty interface or anchor between the attachments to the base 11 and the underlying support surface 100 such that the attachments are held aloft.

In other words, it is contemplated that the base 11 comprises sufficient weight 101 so as to prevent the apparatus 10 from overturning given the off center positions of certain attachments. It is further contemplated that the base 11 may preferably comprise or be constructed from any number of materials, including, but not limited to various composites, alloys, wood or particle board, marble, granite, stone, aluminum, plastic, or any such suitable material.

The apparatus 10 may further comprise a plaque pedestal or pedestal structure as at 12, which pedestal structure is attached to and extends outwardly from the base 11. The plaque pedestal 12 may preferably comprise one or more end-receiving apertures or similar female structure as generally depicted at 16 in FIGS. 1 and 3. It is contemplated that the pedestal 12 may well function to add both an end-positioning feature as well as a decorative effect for the model support structures 13 as generally depicted in the noted figures.

The pedestal structure 12 may preferably comprise or be constructed from the same types of materials as used in the construction of the base 11 and may be attached to the base 11 via various fastening means such as but not limited to adhesive means and hardware type fastening means (not specifically depicted). It is further contemplated that the pedestal 12 and base 11 could further be constructed as a single piece construction, if desired.

The apparatus 10 further preferably comprises at least one model support structure as at 13 and at least one model as at 14. Indeed, central to the practice of the present invention is/are the model support structure(s) 13 and models 14. It is contemplated that the model support structures or elements 13 may comprise or be constructed from load- (model-) bearing material(s) such as wood, plastic, steel, fiberglass rod, threaded rod, pipe cleaner, and or any suitable composites, and may be of either solid construction or hollow construction. Preferably, however, the structures 13 comprise or are constructed from a ductile material so that the trails effected thereby may be formed into non-linear arrangements as at 106.

The elements 13 each comprise opposed support ends as at 17, a support length intermediate the support ends 17, a substantially uniform support diameter (as at 102) along the support length, and an outer support surface as at 18. The outer support surface 18 of each model support structure or element 13 is preferably colored (e.g. white as in the attached figures) and the support diameter 102 is of sufficient magnitude such that the element 13 resembles a colored trail (e.g. smoke or vapor type trail) trailing from the model 14.

Each model 14 may be attached to a respective support structure or element 13 by receiving an end 17 thereof in female structure 19 otherwise associated with the supported model 14. The model 14 and attached support structure 13 together thus resemble a commemorative apparatus or machine, which apparatus appears to render a (smoke or vapor) trail or cone adjacent the plaque base 11, which base 11 may be provided with certain other commemorative markings, photographs, or inscriptions as displayed upon surface 30.

As pictured throughout the illustrations, the preferred model 14 for the trail-rendering apparatus or machine is thought best embodied by a jet airplane, although other types of aircraft and/or spacecraft, as well as automobiles and the like could also be incorporated into the design. So long as the trail-rendering apparatus or machine may render a trail (as might be the case for a biplane or rocket car), it is contemplated that the present invention embraces this type of trail-rendering apparatus.

Preferably, however, the model(s) 14 may also be provided with coloration for resembling a well known group of trail-rendering apparatuses (e.g. The United States Navy's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the “Blue Angels”) for enhancing the commemorative effect. In this regard, the reader is directed to FIG. 2, which figure depicts the color blue as at hatch markings 107 as applied to the wings of the models 14.

It is contemplated that any number of fastening means may be used to fasten a first end 17 of each model support structure 13 to the plaque pedestal 12 or base 11 and a second end 17 of each model support structure 13 to a respective model 14. In this regard, it is contemplated that the preferred means for attachment is to form female structure 16 in the pedestal 12 or base 11 sized and shaped to receive first ends 17 of the model support structures 13 and further to form female structure 19 in the tail, exhaust or other trail-rendering orifice 31 of the models 14 for receiving second ends 17 of the model support structures 13. Other forms of attachment or fastening means may include slip fitted joints, press fitted joints, threaded joints, soldered joints, and welded joints, snap fit connections, couplers, and adhesives.

It is contemplated that the support shroud 15 may preferably comprise or be constructed from a length of corrugated tubing. In this regard, it will be noted that each support shroud 15 has opposed shroud ends 20, a shroud length intermediate the shroud ends 20, a minimal inner shroud diameter as at 103, and an outer shroud surface as at 21.

From a comparative inspection of FIGS. 1, 1(a), and 1(b), it will be seen that the minimum inner shroud diameter 103 is greater in magnitude than the support diameter 102 (or the sum of more than one support diameter) such that the shroud 15 may be made to encase or envelope one or more select model support structure(s) 13. For example, FIG. 1 depicts the shroud 15 enveloping a single model support structure 13, and FIGS. 2 and 3 depict a single shroud 15 enveloping two, parallel model support structures 13.

The outer shroud surface 21 is preferably colored (e.g. white as in the attached illustrations) in a similar manner as structure 13 so as to also effect or resemble a (smoke or vapor) trail, albeit an expanding and/or billowing trail. In this regard, it is contemplated that the relative larger diameter 103 of shroud 15 functions so as to resemble a radially expanding trail along its axis (as compared to the diameter 102 of the model support structure 13) for enhancing the commemorative effect. In further keeping with this structural feature, the outer shroud surface 21 preferably comprises both a minimum diameter as at 103 and a maximum diameter as at 104. The shroud 15 may thus preferably comprise an undulating diameter 105 along its length for resembling a billowing (smoke or vapor) trail for further enhancing the commemorative effect.

While the above description contains much specificity, this specificity should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the invention. For example, it is contemplated that the present invention essentially provides a commemorative apparatus 10 for eliciting a commemorative effect, which commemorative apparatus 10 essentially comprises a basal structure as at 11, at least one model support structure as at 13, and at least one model as at 14.

Each model support structure 13 is preferably constructed from a load-bearing, (ductile) material such as relatively heavy gauge wire and comprises opposed support ends as at 17, a support length intermediate the support ends 17, a substantially uniform support diameter 102 along the support length, and an outer support surface as at 18. The support diameter 102 is of sufficient size and the outer support surface 18 is provided with certain coloration so that together the support diameter 102 and outer support surface 18 resemble a trail such as a smoke trail or vapor trail emanating from the model 14.

Each model 14 resembles a trail-rendering apparatus such as a jet airplane or spacecraft, although other trail-rendering machinery could well be substituted such as rocket cars, motorcycles, helicopters, and the like. A first end 17 of each model support structure 13 is fastened to the basal structure 11 and a second end 17 of each model support structure 13 is fastened to a respective model 15. The commemorative apparatus 10 thus essentially functions to elicit a trail-themed commemorative effect.

Preferably, the commemorative apparatus 10 further comprises a plurality of model support structures 13, and a plurality of models 14, each of which are attached to the basal structure 11 (or pedestal 12) via the model support structures 13. Conceivably, however, each model 14 could well be supported by a plurality of model support structures 13 as generally depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In this last regard, it will be noted that each model in FIGS. 2 and 3 is supported by two parallel model support structures 13, thereby resembling two parallel trails. In other words, from a consideration of FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be seen that the model support structures 13 each support a single respective model 14 and are substantially parallel to one another. The plurality of model support structures 13 thus resemble a plurality of trails trailing from a single trail-rendering apparatus for enhancing the overall commemorative effect.

The model support structures 13 may be preferably constructed from a bendable or ductile material for enabling non-linear trail-resembling formations as generally depicted at 106 in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. It is contemplated that the non-linear trail-resembling formations 106 may well operate to further enhance the overall commemorative effect by providing a static representation of an otherwise dynamic trail-rendering scenario.

From a further inspection of FIGS. 1, 1(b), 2, and 3, it will be seen that the commemorative apparatus 10 may further comprise at least one support shroud as at 15. Each support shroud 15 comprises opposed shroud ends 20, a shroud length intermediate the shroud ends 20, a minimum inner shroud diameter as at 103, a maximum shroud diameter as at 104, and an outer shroud surface as at 21.

From a comparative inspection of FIGS. 1 through 1( b), it will be seen that the minimum inner shroud diameter 103 is greater in magnitude than the support diameter 102. Each shroud 15 when outfitted upon the model support structure(s) 13 thus encases one ore more model support structure(s) 13 and the outer shroud surface 21 resembles an expanding trail for enhancing the commemorative effect. The outer shroud surface may further comprise an undulating diameter 105 along its length for resembling a billowing trail and further enhancing the commemorative effect.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to certain preferred and alternative embodiments, it is not intended that the novel disclosures herein presented be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings. 

1. A commemorative apparatus for eliciting a commemorative effect, the commemorative apparatus comprising: a plaque base; a plaque pedestal, the plaque pedestal being attached to the plaque base and extending outwardly therefrom; at least one model support structure, each model support structure being constructed from a load-bearing material and comprising opposed support ends, a support length intermediate the support ends, a substantially uniform support diameter along the support length, and an outer support surface; at least one model, each model resembling a trail-rendering apparatus; and fastening means for (1) fastening a first end of each model support structure to the plaque pedestal and (2) fastening a second end of each model support structure to a respective model, the outer support surface of each model support structure being colored so as to resemble a colored trail, each model and model support structure together resembling a trail-rendering apparatus, the commemorative apparatus thus for eliciting a trail-themed commemorative effect.
 2. The commemorative apparatus of claim 1 comprising a plurality of model support structures, the model support structures each supporting a single model and being substantially parallel to one another, the plurality of model support structures for resembling a plurality of trails from a single trail-rendering apparatus.
 3. The commemorative apparatus of claim 1 comprising a plurality of model support structures and a plurality of models, the model support structures and the models for resembling a group of trail-rendering apparatuses.
 4. The commemorative apparatus of claim 3 wherein the models are provided with coloration for resembling a well known group of trail-rendering apparatuses.
 5. The commemorative apparatus of claim 1 wherein each model support structure is constructed from a ductile material, the ductile material for enabling non-linear trail-resembling formations.
 6. The commemorative apparatus of claim 1 comprising at least one support shroud, each support shroud comprising opposed shroud ends, a shroud length intermediate the shroud ends, a minimum inner shroud diameter, and an outer shroud surface, the minimum inner shroud diameter being greater in magnitude than the support diameter, each shroud thus for encasing a select model support structure, the outer shroud surface being colored so as to resemble an expanding trail.
 7. The commemorative apparatus of claim 6 wherein the outer shroud surface comprises an undulating diameter, the undulating diameter for resembling a billowing trail.
 8. A commemorative apparatus for eliciting a commemorative effect, the commemorative apparatus comprising: a plaque base; at least one model support structure, each model support structure being constructed from a load-bearing material and comprising opposed support ends, a support length intermediate the support ends, a support diameter along the support length, and an outer support surface; at least one model, each model resembling a trail-rendering apparatus; and fastening means (1) for fastening a first end of each model support structure to the plaque base and (2) fastening a second end of each model support structure to a respective model, the outer support surface of each model support structure being colored so as to resemble a colored trail, each model and model support structure together resembling a trail-rendering apparatus, the commemorative apparatus thus for eliciting a trail-themed commemorative effect.
 9. The commemorative apparatus of claim 8 comprising a plurality of model support structures, the model support structures each supporting a single model and being substantially parallel to one another, the plurality of model support structures for resembling a plurality of trails trailing from a single trail-rendering apparatus.
 10. The commemorative apparatus of claim 8 comprising a plurality of model support structures and a plurality of models, the model support structures and the models for resembling a group of trail-rendering apparatuses.
 11. The commemorative apparatus of claim 10 wherein the models are provided with coloration for resembling a well known group of trail-rendering apparatuses.
 12. The commemorative apparatus of claim 8 wherein each model support structure is constructed from a ductile material, the ductile material for enabling non-linear trail-resembling formations.
 13. The commemorative apparatus of claim 8 comprising at least one support shroud, each support shroud comprising opposed shroud ends, a shroud length intermediate the shroud ends, a minimum inner shroud diameter, and an outer shroud surface, the minimum inner shroud diameter being greater in magnitude than the support diameter, each support shroud thus for enveloping a select model support structure, the outer shroud surface for resembling an expanding trail.
 14. The commemorative apparatus of claim 13 wherein the outer shroud surface comprises an undulating diameter, the undulating diameter for resembling a billowing trail.
 15. A commemorative apparatus for eliciting a commemorative effect, the commemorative apparatus comprising: a basal structure; at least one model support structure, each model support structure being constructed from a load-bearing material and comprising opposed support ends, a support length intermediate the support ends, a support diameter along the support length, and an outer support surface; and at least one model, each model resembling a trail-rendering apparatus, a first end of each model support structure being fastened to the basal structure and a second end of each model support structure being fastened to a respective model, the outer support surface being colored so as to resemble a trail, the model support structure thus resembling a trail emanating from a modeled, trail-rendering apparatus, the commemorative apparatus thus for eliciting a trail-themed commemorative effect.
 16. The commemorative apparatus of claim 15 comprising a plurality of model support structures, the model support structures each supporting a single model and being substantially parallel to one another, the plurality of model support structures for resembling a plurality of trails emanating from a single trail-rendering apparatus.
 17. The commemorative apparatus of claim 15 comprising a plurality of model support structures and a plurality of models, the model support structures and the models for resembling a group of trail-rendering apparatuses.
 18. The commemorative apparatus of claim 15 wherein each model support structure is constructed from a ductile material, the ductile material for enabling non-linear trail-resembling formations.
 19. The commemorative apparatus of claim 15 comprising at least one support shroud, each support shroud comprising opposed shroud ends, a shroud length intermediate the shroud ends, a minimum inner shroud diameter, and an outer shroud surface, the minimum inner shroud diameter being greater in magnitude than the support diameter, each shroud thus for enveloping a select model support structure, the outer shroud surface for resembling an expanding trail.
 20. The commemorative apparatus of claim 19 wherein the outer shroud surface comprises an undulating diameter, the undulating diameter for resembling a billowing trail. 